Warning Shot?

This is a discussion on Warning Shot? within the Basic Gun Handling & Safety forums, part of the General Firearm Discussion category; Over the last couple of days I have read stories about people firing warning shots. Some of you are instructors or have been carrying for ...

Absolutely NEVER fire a warning shot. The law typically requires the situation be absolutely unavoidable, with immediate threat to your life. A warning shot demonstrates that those conditions did not exist in your situation. The prosecutors will use that warning shot to put you in jail. If the situation is bad enough you feel justified in defending yourself, then defend yourself. "Warning" someone is not defending yourself. It's irresponsible.